Identity theft is a growing crime that is causing damage to credit reports of young and old. Recognizing the need for a nationwide grassroots consumer education outreach, BBB | Greater Maryland is joining the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB), government agencies and national advocacy organizations in launching the 4th annual National Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW) October 16 - 22, 2011.
The week coincides with BBB's free identity theft prevention event to be held on October 22, 2011 at Perdue Stadium in Salisbury. The public can take advantage of tips, information and the shredding of documents, all free of charge. The event, "Secure Your ID Day" runs from 8 am - 12 noon, rain or shine.
"Before another year passes, make a little time to shed your home of unnecessary records that include sensitive information like account numbers and personally identifying information, said Angie Barnett, president/CEO of BBB | Greater Maryland. "The peace of mind that comes from watching your documents be destroyed is immediate gratification. In one morning, you can limit this crime of access," added Barnett.
Identity theft touched the lives of more than 8.1 million adult victims in 2010. According to a report from Javelin Strategy and Research, the theft resulted in the loss of $37 billion dollars. On top of that, children may be 51 times more likely than adults to have their identity stolen, according to a study conducted by AllClear ID. Additionally, hundreds of online enterprises comb the Internet for inactive Social Security numbers - most of which are assigned to children under the age of 18 who have not started using them yet. The Internet bandits then sell the numbers under different names to people who wish to establish fake credit. Protecting your child's innocent, clean record is something that every parent needs to do.
BBB's identity theft prevention event at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on Saturday, October 22 is sponsored by Delmarva Shorebirds, Lower Shore Enterprises and Preston Automotive Group. For more information visit www.greatermd.bbb.org/shred.